RENTON, Wash. - The City of Renton temporarily closed the Cedar River Dog Park Friday as a precaution after a recent outbreak of the Canine Parvovirus (Parvo) in King County.

The city said the park located at 1500 Houser Way S. will remain closed for at least two weeks while workers disinfect the park.

City officials made the decision after a local veterinarian told the Community Services Department that a dog who had recently visited the park was found to have Parvo.

“Yeah it’s a bummer,” dog owner Maria Hall said. “This is like the best exercise he gets but I understand it’s dangerous for other dogs, but we know at least that there’s an outbreak.”

Some dog owners who showed up on Friday to find the park closed said their puppies have all their shots already.

“A lot of puppies can get it, especially if they don’t have their shots and they can get really really sick,” dog owner Maneesha Jayawardhana said. “Because of that and because we got him [their puppy] at eight weeks, I’m glad that they have a note up and everything.”

According to the American Veterinary Association (AVA), the Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that can affect all dogs, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies younger that four months old are at the most risk. The virus affects dogs' gastrointestinal tracts and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact, contaminated feces and other surfaces.

The AVA said Canine Parvovirus can contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes and the hands and clothing of the animals' caretakers.

They said dogs can spread the virus for up to two weeks before they show any symptoms. It's often transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or through contaminated cages, shoes or other objects.

Symptoms of parvovirus include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and lethargy.

If your puppy or dog shows any of these signs, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.